Tuesday, December 29

Noble should now be a squad player

Mark Noble is a West Ham legend, but I just hope David Moyes doesn't make the mistake Big Sam did with Kevin Nolan, and keep playing Nobes when he's past his best. Mark will be 34 in January and should be used as an experienced sub who can be brought on towards the end of games to protect a result. He has more skill than most people realise and did well in an advanced role at Norwich in the 4-0 win last season, but playing him as essentially a number ten against Chelsea and Brighton just hasn't worked. 

If Noble is going to get games it should be as a central midfielder when Rice and Soucek need a rest. But the fact is Rice and Soucek have made the central midfield positions their own this season and have been a major factor in West Ham's decent start. If Fornals needed to be rested it would have made much more sense to start Lanzini or Benrahma in the advanced midfield role against Brighton. Moyes needs to stay positive and resist a return to negative tactics. He acknowledged he got his selection wrong against Brighton by taking Noble off at half-time. Mark will always be loved by West Ham fans but we now have to select the best players in their natural positions. 

3 comments:

Mj said...

But, with 3 games in 6 days, he has to do something to manage the players. Is there no-one in under 23's worth a go?

Pete May said...

Yes he needed to rotate, though he could have played the fresher Benrahma or Lanzini in Noble's role. Sensible to give Fredericks and Dawson a run-out at the Saints, though the squad is really thin.

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